[ There are those things that lurk deeper, in darker places where he tries to forget the memory of all that was ever destroyed or lost in ways he couldn't mend; people, places, things. It all breaks his hearts. Sometimes the dark smothers the light before he can stop it, sometimes he is the dark, and the universe keeps turning and he keeps trying.

That hum from Geralt tells him something, beneath the words. No one need believe the way he does, or hold on to hope to the same depth. Of course, he loves those who keep trying with him, but he admires those who find a little life and make their own hope wherever they may be, whomever they may be with. ]

I've always been an explorer. I don't...stop for very long.

[ Trapped, yes, even if he can't quite say that. For some reason, saying those words aloud makes it all the more real, the things he fears most. This place and all its mystery gives him plenty enough to worry about — the sake of others, more than anything. There are some here who want to remain here, some who want to go back from where they came. The Doctor wants everyone to have what they choose, but to be able to have a life that's as peaceful as it can be. Not at all guaranteed right now, given the state of the world around them. Those worries are ever present, but there's another worry about what being trapped really means. He's never settled anywhere for loads of reasons — too restless, too much to see, things that need fixing, and most of all, he can't get complacent and attach to anyone for long. Running away in a blue box rather ensures he need not worry. Here, he has no such means of escape and he wonders when what he's always run from will catch up to him.

And yet, he smiles softly. ]

I have loads of stories I could tell you of the stars, anything you might ever wonder. On our not-in-the-too-distant future picnic, eh?